CARE-LA
CHILD ANXIETY REDUCTION EXPERTS
SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP
Developing meaningful friendships and feeling confident in social situations are important parts of every child's emotional well-being. For many children and adolescents, however, making friends, joining conversations, reading social cues, managing emotions, or navigating peer relationships can feel overwhelming. These challenges are common among children with social anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), executive functioning difficulties, or those who simply need extra support building confidence in social situations.
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At CARE-LA, our Social Skills Groups for children and adolescents provide a supportive, structured, and engaging environment where participants can develop the practical social, emotional, and communication skills needed to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Led by experienced mental health professionals, our groups use evidence-based strategies, interactive activities, role-playing, games, and guided peer interactions to help children practice skills in real time while receiving encouragement and constructive feedback.
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Unlike programs that focus solely on teaching social rules, CARE-LA's Social Skills Groups help participants understand the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that influence successful relationships. Children and teens learn how to initiate conversations, build and maintain friendships, improve listening skills, interpret verbal and nonverbal communication, manage conflict, increase emotional awareness, strengthen self-confidence, and navigate challenging social situations with greater independence.
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Because every child develops differently, our groups are carefully matched by age, developmental level, and social-emotional needs to create a safe, welcoming environment where participants feel comfortable practicing new skills. Whenever appropriate, families receive guidance and practical strategies to reinforce progress at home, helping children continue building confidence long after each session.
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Whether your child struggles with making friends, social anxiety, peer conflict, emotional regulation, or simply wants to strengthen communication and relationship skills, CARE-LA's Social Skills Groups provide a fun, evidence-based way to build confidence, resilience, and lasting social success.
FAQs: Social Skills Group for Children & Adolescents in at CARE-LA
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Who can benefit from a Social Skills Group?
Children and adolescents who have difficulty making or keeping friends, joining conversations, understanding social cues, managing emotions, resolving conflicts, or navigating peer relationships can benefit from a Social Skills Group. Groups are also helpful for children with social anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), executive functioning challenges, or low self-confidence.
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What social skills are taught during the group?
Participants practice a wide range of skills, including starting and maintaining conversations, active listening, taking turns, reading body language and facial expressions, managing emotions, solving social problems, resolving conflicts, developing empathy, cooperating with peers, and building healthy friendships.
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How is a therapy-based Social Skills Group different from recreational activities?
While extracurricular activities provide opportunities for social interaction, CARE-LA's Social Skills Groups are led by licensed mental health professionals who intentionally teach, model, and reinforce evidence-based social and emotional skills. Participants receive guided practice and individualized support to help them generalize these skills to everyday life.
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Can Social Skills Groups help children with social anxiety?
Yes. Social Skills Groups can be especially beneficial for children and teens with social anxiety by providing a safe, supportive environment to gradually practice interacting with peers, increase confidence, and reduce avoidance of social situations. When appropriate, participation may be combined with individual therapy for the best outcomes.
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Are Social Skills Groups helpful for children with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Yes. Many children with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder benefit from explicit instruction and guided practice in communication, emotional regulation, flexibility, perspective-taking, and friendship skills. Groups are tailored to participants' developmental and social needs.
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How are children placed into groups?
CARE-LA carefully considers each child's age, developmental level, social-emotional strengths, and treatment goals when placing participants into groups. Thoughtful group matching helps create an environment where children feel comfortable, supported, and able to learn from one another.
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Will parents receive feedback about their child's progress?
Yes. Parent collaboration is an important part of the program. Families receive guidance, feedback, and practical strategies to help reinforce newly learned social skills at home and in everyday situations.
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Can my child participate in both individual therapy and the Social Skills Group?
Absolutely. Many children benefit from participating in both individual therapy and a Social Skills Group. Individual therapy addresses personal challenges and treatment goals, while the group provides opportunities to practice new skills with peers in a supportive environment.
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How long does it take to see improvement in social skills?
Every child progresses at their own pace. Many families notice increased confidence, improved communication, and stronger peer interactions after consistent participation and continued practice both during sessions and at home.
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Why choose CARE-LA's Social Skills Groups?
CARE-LA specializes in treating anxiety and anxiety-related disorders in children and adolescents. Our Social Skills Groups are grounded in evidence-based mental health principles and are led by experienced clinicians who understand the emotional, behavioral, and developmental factors that influence successful peer relationships. By combining social skills training with emotional regulation, confidence-building, and family collaboration, we help children develop meaningful friendships and the lifelong interpersonal skills needed to thrive at school, at home, and in their communities.